Skoda embarks on an electric future with this clever Enyaq iV. Jonathan Crouch drives it.
Ten Second Review
Skoda's first volume market full-electric car, the Enyaq iV, uses Volkswagen Group EV technology to good effect. Based around the Wolfsburg conglomerate's advanced MEB electrified platform, it nevertheless manages to incorporate a very Skoda look and feel. And in terms of range, charging stats and equipment, will look attractive in the showroom for those who get the right price or lease deal.
Background
We're told that the Enyaq iV ushers in a new era of design and engineering for Skoda. Perhaps it does. A less charitable way of looking at this latest EV is that it's a Czech take on the same technology also used by its VW Group cousins, the Volkswagen ID.4 and the CUPRA Born. Like those two models, this one is a full-electric, 5-door Crossover, larger in size than, say, a Kia Niro EV and offering, according to Skoda, almost the same interior space as its own conventional full-size SUV, the Kodiaq, though with the Enyaq, you can't have seven seats.Full-battery power is nothing new to this Czech maker. But it will be to most of its customers. Which is why so much effort has been made here to help ease them into this brave new world of electrified mobility. The designers have held back on some of the slightly futuristic exterior and cabin styling cues you'll find on some of the EVs in this class. And there are all the usual Skoda 'Simply Clever' practical touches to make ownership that little bit easier. Plus there's the choice of standard hatch or Coupe body styles. Let's take a closer look.
Driving Experience
You ease away in an Enyaq, rather than needing to moderate the kind of frantic forward thrust that seems more normal of an electric vehicle these days. That doesn't really suit any 2.0-tonne SUV and it certainly wouldn't suit this Skoda, the relaxed drive dynamics of which, it's immediately clear, are geared towards lowering the heartbeat rather than raising it. Most Enyaqs are of the rear-motor, rear-driven sort, a format not seen on a Skoda since the brand's budget models of the '60s and '70s and one that benefits this car enormously in town, where it offers an impressively tight 10.2-metre turning circle. Beyond the city limits, traction is impressive but there's a little more body roll through the turns than you'd get with the alternative Volkswagen, CUPRA and Audi versions of this VW Group design. The pay-off for that though, is a much better standard of ride, with suppleness over poor surfaces and speed humps that's un-bettered in this class and is far superior to most rivals. When fitted with an optional folding towbar, any Enyaq iV is also capable of towing trailers weighing up to 1,400kg.There's the choice of two or four wheel drive versions of the Enyaq iV. The base rear driven model, the iV 60, has a 179PS electric motor powered by a 62kWh battery with a range of 246 miles. Above that sits the Enyaq iV 80, which has a 204PS motor powered by an 82kWh battery that should produce a total WLTP-rated range of 329 miles. Top speed is 99mph and 62mph from rest takes 8.4 seconds.The alternative mainstream model, the iV 80X, also uses an 82kWh battery but adds four wheel drive, which means extra weight (hence the a reduction in range to 312 miles). It goes a bit quicker though, the 265PS 80x iV making the 62mph dash to 6.7s. At the top of the range is the Enyak iV vRS performance model, which shares its 82kWh battery and 4WD system with the 80x iV, but ups output to 299PS, sprints to 62mph in 6.5s and has a 310 mile range.
Design and Build
There's the choice of standard hatch or Coupe versions of this Enyaq iV: we're looking at the standard one here. The look of the Enyaq iV moves Skoda into a new design direction, the main theme being most obvious at the front, which can be optionally embellished with an illuminated 'Crystal Face' grille. Full-LED Matrix headlights at the front are joined at the rear by LED tail lights which include dynamic indicators and an animated 'Coming/Leaving Home' function. Measuring 4,648mm long and 1,877mm wide, this car is quite substantial in stature, though it's actually shorter than a Skoda Octavia. Still, thanks to the clever design of the MEB platform it sits on, the Enyaq offers superb interior space. With the traction battery housed in the floor and a compact motor mounted beneath the cargo area base, this Czech EV has a cabin unburdened by the packaging compromises of a traditional internal combustion engine car.That cabin is 'inspired by modern living environments', according to Skoda, and uses 'natural, sustainably processed and recycled materials'. The fascia's dominated by a central 13-inch infotainment touchscreen, which can also be worked by both voice and gesture control. There's also a further 5.3-inch instrument binnacle display. A further interior highlight is the wonderfully-named optional 'Jumbo Box', which adds 6.2 litres of storage underneath the centre console. There's comfortable space for a couple of adults on the back seat. And boot capacity is ample at 585-litres.
Market and Model
Prices start from around £39,000 for the iV 60 with its 62kWh battery. For around £43,000, the iV 80 with its larger 82kWh battery gives customers a much longer range capability. Either way, they get a decent level of standard equipment, including chrome detailing, front parking sensors and a rear view camera. Also included is a heated two spoke steering wheel that features paddles to adjust the brake regeneration level, 'Drive Mode Selection' and an infotainment system with navigation. There are four optional packs owners can add - badged 'Clever', 'Plus', 'Advanced' and 'Maxx'. Opt for the most dynamic 'SportLine Plus' Enyaq iV variants (priced from around £49,000) and you'll get the 'Clever' and 'Plus' package features included. The 80X 'SportLine' twin motor all-wheel drive variant costs around £51,000. The top vRS version costs around £53,000.Connectivity is key with the Enyaq iV and all models feature a 13-inch free-standing display screen with optional head-up display, including augmented reality navigation. The car also features a permanent internet connection, ensuring that the information being fed to it is always up-to-date. The most recent models benefit from an ME3 platform software upgrade, which has improved the navigation, Head-up display and climate systems.Let's finish with a look at safety. You'd expect some sort of Forward Collision Warning autonomous braking system on a car of this kind these days; Skoda's is called 'Front Assist' and as usual with these sorts of set-ups, it scans the road ahead as you drive. If a potential collision hazard is detected, you'll be warned. If you don't respond - or aren't able to - the brakes will automatically be applied to decrease the severity of any resulting accident. It incorporates 'Swerve Support' that stops you from turning into a junction into the path of another car. Plus there's 'Dynamic Road Sign Display' (which pictures speed signs as you pass and displays them on the dash). Every Enyaq iV also gets a 'Lane Assist' lane-keeping system that warns you when you stray out of your lane and applies gentle steering assistance to ease you back into it.
Cost of Ownership
We gave you the driving range figures in our 'Driving Experience' section: they're very class-competitive, though, as you would expect, don't differ much from what you'd get in a comparable Volkswagen ID.4 or CUPRA Born EV. Sleek, aerodynamic styling (the drag coefficient is an impressive 0.27Cd) along with ample-sized batteries obviously help here. All Enyaq iV models have a minimum DC rapid charging capability of 125kW as standard. The Enyaq iV offers customers three charging options. In addition to using a standard household 230V socket with 2.3 kW alternating current (AC), it can be charged at home overnight using a wallbox of up to 7.2kW. The charging process with a 7.2kW wallbox takes approximately 13 hours for the 82kWh battery (up to 100% charge). As a third charging option, the vehicle can be connected to rapid DC charging points with a charging capacity of up to 125 kW. This allows the Enyaq iV 80 to be charged from 10 to 80 per cent in as little as 38 minutes.The availability of a heat pump option also means that the air conditioning and heating uses less battery power than a high-voltage heater, increasing range over other EVs that don't use this system, especially during periods when the external temperature is much lower. A dedicated app called 'Skoda Connect' allows owners to control the air-conditioning and battery charging remotely.
Summary
For us, the Enyaq iV represents a sweet spot in the family EV market. A Volkswagen ID.4-sized model for the price of a little ID.3 you might say - and you wouldn't be too far wrong. Skoda's certainly made very good use of that same German engineering here. A typical Skoda customer will like the rather relaxed way that this car goes about its business on the road. These people may well also value this Crossover's impressive cabin space, superb ride quality and neat 'Simply Clever' practical features. They'll also like the excellent build quality, the accuracy of the range predictions and the way you can option up the cabin in a really classy way.The Enyaq iV is supposed to open up a fresh era for this Czech maker - and perhaps it does. Future EVs from this brand may well be a little more Skoda-like, but this one sets a trend we hope those forthcoming models will follow - that of offering more for less. It's an approach that's characterised the company for as long as we can remember and we're pleased it's being continued here. More importantly, we think you will be too.
FAQs
What is the range of the 62kwh Enyaq? ›
The battery of the Skoda Enyaq iV 60 has a total capacity of 62 kWh. The usable capacity is 58 kWh. An estimated range of about 200 miles is achievable on a fully charged battery. The actual range will however depend on several factors including climate, terrain, use of climate control systems and driving style.
How fast can the Skoda Enyaq 60 charge? ›For rapid charging, the Skoda Enyaq iV 60 uses a CCS connector and is capable of charging at a rate of up to 124kW, which can deliver a 20-80% charge in around 30 minutes.
Is Skoda Enyaq iV reliable? ›Skoda came 13th out of 32 brands in the 2022 What Car? Reliability Survey overall manufacturer league table, ahead of Volkswagen, Ford and Nissan, but behind Hyundai and Kia.
How many miles can a Skoda electric SUV last? ›The battery of the Skoda Enyaq iV 80 has a total capacity of 82 kWh. The usable capacity is 77 kWh. An estimated range of about 260 miles is achievable on a fully charged battery.
Is Skoda Enyaq available in US? ›And particularly so if you look at the success of Skoda's electric SUV, the Enyaq. (Skodas aren't sold in the U.S.). Last year from a standing start, Skoda sold almost 42,000 all-electric Enyaqs to take 7th place in the Western European sales league, about 10,000 below the VW ID. 4 SUV in 4th place and the VW ID.
Is 200 mile range EV enough? ›The average mileage driven by US car owners is about 40 miles a day, so some experts think an EV range of 200 miles should be adequate for most drivers.
How long to wait for Skoda Enyaq? ›The electric Enyaq iV currently has a lead time of between four and 12 months, according to Skoda dealers.
What is the best speed to charge EV? ›A fast charger generally offers charging speeds of between 7kW and 22kW, making it possible to fully charge most cars overnight, in around 10 hours or less. Batteries in electric cars require DC (direct current) electricity to charge.
What electric car goes the longest on a charge? ›Taking the EV driving range win is California-based Lucid Motors. Its top-spec Air sedan has the highest EPA-estimated range of any electric car sold today. With an EPA-estimated 516 miles of range, the Air Grand Touring with 19-inch wheels is the Lucid with the longest legs.
Is Skoda as good as VW? ›Skoda and Volkswagen might be similar in a number of ways, but their reliability varies from model to model and even between petrol and diesel engines. The table below has been created using the What Car 2021 Reliability Study to help you compare across the different makes and models.
Is Skoda poor reliability? ›
On average, Skoda scores either four stars or five stars for reliability with buyers. Reliability Index also provides Skoda with a reliability score of 40. This is actually one of the lowest scores available from any vehicle on the market.
How long do EV engines last? ›These are just the key factors that affect the performance of an electric vehicle motor. However, in general, an electric car motor can last for more than 15 to 20 years, provided it performs within the limits of specified values and at normal operating conditions.
What is the lifespan of an EV battery miles? ›How long do electric car batteries last? The hundreds of gently topped-up cells inside an EV battery mean that each battery pack is expected to retain its charging-discharging capacity from 100,000 to 200,000 miles.
How long do Skoda engines last? ›Hi, Skoda Octavia diesel can be run upto 1.5lac km with scheduled maintenance.
Do electric cars last for more miles? ›Today's modern EVs can last hundreds of thousands of miles thanks to advances in battery technology, software, and cooling systems. Older EVs are a different story. They don't last nearly as long as cars that run on gas.
Why is ŠKODA not sold in USA? ›The Felicia was, therefore, a poor seller in the U.S., and leftover cars ended up being hied off at a fraction of the original retail list. Since that time, Škoda automobiles have not been imported into the U.S. for retail sale.
What is the number 1 EV in USA? ›Tesla remains on top by a far margin, accounting for 65% of total EV sales in the United States in 2022. However, other automakers that were fast to react to the rapidly evolving market, like Ford, Hyundai, and GM, are beginning to claim their shares.
Where are Enyaq built? ›It is assembled at the Škoda plant in Mladá Boleslav, Czech Republic for the European market.
How far can an EV go when fully loaded? ›Miles per full charge (WLTP)
Generally, today's electric cars can usually travel between 150-300 miles on a charge, which should be more than enough for both casual drivers and people who commute long distances every day for work.
Essentially, there is no real danger in napping for several hours in an EV with its air-conditioning switched on.
What is the best EV for distance? ›
- Tesla Model S – 405 miles. ...
- Mercedes-Benz EQE – 394 miles. ...
- BMW iX – 380 Miles. ...
- Polestar 3 – 379 Miles. ...
- Tesla Model 3 – 374 Miles. ...
- Ford Mustang Mach-E – 372 Miles. ...
- Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV – 365 miles.
ŠKODA AUTO resumes production of the ŠKODA ENYAQ iV
Mladá Boleslav, 26 April 2022 – After several weeks' downtime, ŠKODA AUTO has resumed production of the ŠKODA ENYAQ iV. Initially, around 1,000 units per week will run off the production line, and capacity will gradually be increased.
Five to 10 years hence, carmakers have a huge opportunity to make much, much cheaper EVs. That's the real goal.
What is the range of a Skoda Enyaq iV in miles? ›The Enyaq iV 80 model features a larger 77kWh usable battery, boosting the range up to a WLTP-tested 339 miles, while the all-wheel drive Enyaq iV 80X (which uses the same battery) will cover 317 miles at best before the battery is drained.
Should I charge my EV every day? ›Most electric car owners charge their cars at home overnight. In fact, people with regular driving habits need not charge the battery fully every night. And automakers provide electric car batteries that hold their charge for long, allowing you to skip plug-ins for a few nights.
Is it better to charge EV at night? ›The short answer to the question is no. In general, you should not charge your electric car every night. It isn't necessary in most cases. The practice of charging an electric vehicle every night can shorten the lifespan of the car's battery pack.
Is it better to charge EV slow or fast? ›Fast chargers are three times quicker to charge your electric vehicle than slow chargers, and if you are fortunate enough to come across a 22kW, they are 10 times faster. Using the same example of the Renault Zoe, it should take around 7 hours to charge with a 7kW fast charger and 2.3 hours using a 22kW charger.
Can electric cars last longer than gas? ›Whether it's a sports car, a truck, or SUV, you can likely find an electric vehicle to suit your needs. While battery life used to be a concern for prospective EV owners, modern technology has allowed EVs to last as long if not longer than traditional gasoline-powered vehicles.
Do EV last longer than gas? ›EV: On average, a single charge can last 250 miles. The record holder for EV, done by the 2021 Tesla Model S Performance all-wheel drive with 19-inch wheels, is 387 miles on a single charge. Gasoline car: On average, a single full tank of 12 gallons of gas can go for around 300 miles.
Can electric cars last 20 years? ›Life Expectancy
Generally, electric vehicle batteries last 10-20 years, but some factors may reduce their lifespan.
Which brand is better Skoda or Honda? ›
Honda is definitely a more logical buy - better brand value, better service, much better resale, reliable, cheaper to buy and own; while Skoda is more of an emotional decision for me - better looks, comfortable and that European family it comes from.
Is Skoda more luxurious than VW? ›Skodas are widely known for being a quality but more affordable brand, while Volkswagens are renowned for being luxury European cars. There are a variety of factors that will affect you choosing between the two, from price to quality.
Is Skoda basically VW? ›Skoda finally became a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Volkswagen Group by 2000.
Where does Skoda rank in world? ›Skoda ranks 20th in the World brand's ranking, consolidating the third position within the Volkswagen Group, only marginally reducing the gap from Audi.
Is A Skoda better than an Audi? ›They both are pretty similar in terms of reliability. Audi tends to come with more fancy equipments and special goodies, but the problem is that there can be more to go wrong, and more maintenance is required! Skoda is basically Volkswagen cars which are built with smart and practical designs.
Do Skodas keep their value? ›The age of the car and the number of kilometers driven in the car drastically influence resale value. To sum up, Škoda is a trustworthy brand with high demand in the used car market. A used Škoda car in a good condition, with comparatively lesser kilometers covered, can fetch a very profitable resale value.
What are the disadvantages of electric vehicles? ›- Limited Battery Range. The average petrol car can easily do four or five hundred miles on a tank of petrol. ...
- Battery Lifespan Concerns. ...
- Charging Infrastructure Worries. ...
- Long Charging Times. ...
- Low Top Speeds. ...
- More Expensive to Buy. ...
- Environmental Impact.
The answer to how long motors last will vary and is dependent upon many factors. Some manufacturers estimate 30,000 hours, while others state 40,000 hours. Some will say “it depends.” One thing is clear—a motor should last much longer with a conscientious motor systems maintenance plan than without one.
What are the pros and cons of owning an electric car? ›| Pros of electric cars | Cons of electric cars |
|---|---|
| Electric cars are energy efficient | Electric cars can't travel as far |
| Electric cars reduce emissions | "Fueling" takes longer |
| Electric cars require lower maintenance | Electric cars are sometimes more expensive |
Once an electric car's battery has reached the end of its serviceable life – which will most likely be because the car itself has reached the end of the road – its battery pack can find a new purpose, being removed from the vehicle and reused in a number of different deployments.
How much is it to replace batteries in an electric car? ›
EV battery replacements range from $5,000 to $20,000 based on the pack, size and manufacturer. If a battery is within its manufacturer warranty, typically 8 years and 100,000 miles, then you should get a replacement battery at no extra cost.
How much does a battery cost for an electric car? ›Average Battery Replacement Costs
If an EV is no longer under warranty or if its battery is damaged in an accident and isn't covered by insurance, Recurrent estimates the out-of-pocket cost for a replacement ranges from $5,000 to $20,000. The total cost largely depends on the pack, size and manufacturer of the battery.
Oil an Inspection + Pollen
The recommended service interval is every 24 months or 20,000 miles (whichever comes first). This includes checks, replacements and top ups, adhering to the recommended maintenance schedule of your vehicle.
The estimated maintenance cost of Skoda Rapid for 5 years is Rs 35,128. The first service after 10000 km is free of cost.
Why is Skoda so reliable? ›The fact that they do not use a huge amount of modern technology means that their reliability score is very high. This is because there is less to go wrong with the car and it also doesn't cost a lot to repair when something does go wrong.
Why are electric cars cheaper in the long run? ›According to the Atlas Public Policy analysis, while the initial purchase price for electric vehicles tends to be higher than for gas ones, other expenses such as fuel, maintenance, insurance and taxes bring the total ownership cost for electric vehicles down in the long term, ending up cheaper than many gasoline ...
How much does AC affect EV range? ›The AAA's study determined that when outside temperatures hit 95°F and air conditioning is in use, an EV's range will drop by an average 17 percent. Without running the A/C, an EV will suffer a 4 percent range reduction on an extremely hot day.
Does an electric car lose charge when parked? ›So, do electric cars lose charge when parked? Yes, but a very minimal amount. This is because the battery is still powering some electric systems even when the car is not turned on. It's these systems that require constant power that use a small amount of battery.
What is the mileage range of an Enyaq? ›| City - Mild Weather * | 480 km |
|---|---|
| Highway - Mild Weather * | 300 km |
| Combined - Mild Weather * | 375 km |
A range of about 245 miles is achievable on a fully charged battery.
What is the highway range of Enyaq? ›
| Range * | 420 km |
|---|---|
| Vehicle Consumption * | 183 Wh/km |
2023 Lucid Air: 516 Miles
Taking the EV driving range win is California-based Lucid Motors. Its top-spec Air sedan has the highest EPA-estimated range of any electric car sold today. With an EPA-estimated 516 miles of range, the Air Grand Touring with 19-inch wheels is the Lucid with the longest legs.
Polestar 3 - 379 miles
Polestar claims that this unit is good for up to 379 miles of range, and a 250kW charging capability means a 10 to 80 per cent rapid charging time of just 30 minutes.
Yes, but not as much as you may think or as fast as you may fear. Under current estimates, most EV batteries will last between 15-20 years or 100,000 to 200,000 miles before they need to be replaced, it is more likely that the battery will outlast the car.
How many miles will EV go on full charge? ›All-electric vehicles can typically go 100 to more than 400 miles on a single charge. PHEVs can typically go 15–50 miles on battery power alone; their overall range is determined by the fuel tank capacity because the engine kicks in when the battery is depleted.
Are electric cars more efficient in city or highway? ›Stop-and-go efficiency
Electric cars are also great city cars because they are more efficient in stop-and-go traffic than on the highway. All electric cars have regenerative braking systems that recapture energy and provide a small charge to the battery while braking.
Batteries are the biggest and most significant component of an EV. Batteries are expensive. Thus, EVs are expensive.
What is the average EV range in 2023? ›Average electric car range in 2023 is 219 miles – enough to drive two weeks on a single charge.
What freeway speed is best for EV? ›60mph is the point where most EVs are able to balance the need to conserve power while keeping your speed up. Go any higher and you will likely start seeing your range counter drop a little faster than you might like.
What is the best highway speed for an electric car? ›Electric cars are most efficient when driven at around 50-60mph. If you want to boost your EV's range, stick within this speed bracket. This isn't always possible, especially when driving on the motorway, but the Department of Energy says you'll use 14% less energy by driving 10mph slower than usual.
Where is the Skoda Enyaq built? ›
Overview. The production model is called Enyaq iV and was revealed on 1 September 2020. It is assembled at the Škoda plant in Mladá Boleslav, Czech Republic for the European market. The serial production of the car for the European market in the Czech Republic commenced on 25 November 2020.
Will electric cars ever get to 1000 mile range? ›It's one of the most unique vehicles you will ever see and its efficiency blows every other EV out of the water. A 1,000 mile range EV is unheard of today as the average is anywhere between 200 to 300 miles, with higher end EVs at around 400 miles of range.
Will electric cars ever go 500 miles? ›So far there is one car that has a range that exceeds the 500-mile mark, and that's the 2022 Lucid Air Dream Edition. The Lucid Air gets a projected range of 451 to 520 miles on just one charge. While most other electric cars aren't quite there yet, knowing that the technology exists is a good sign for future EVs.
Can any electric car go 500 miles? ›Tesla took the Model S past 400 miles of EV range in EPA testing back in 2020. Lucid Motors pushed its Air sedan past 500 miles of EV range in EPA testing in 2021. Several production EV models from traditional manufacturers like Mercedes, BMW and Ford now have top ranges exceeding 300 miles.